SAN FRANCISCO ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL
1200 15th Street
415-554-6364, www.sfgov.org/acc
First and Third Thursday – Free Pet Fixes for Needy Families: Surgery performed by a licensed vet inside the Peninsula Humane Society’s surgery vehicle. No appointment necessary, but pets accepted on a first-come first-serve basis. One pet per family; dogs and cats only; no dogs over 80 lbs. and no pets over 8 years old. Pets must fast from midnight on the night before surgery and be current on vaccinations; pets may drink water after midnight. First Thursday: 8–9 a.m. at Pet Camp (525 Phelps St.). Third Thursday: 8–9 a.m. at SFACC. Questions: 650-340-7022 ext. 387

Disaster Animal Response Team (DART)Training: This free four-session training course is designed for NERT graduates who want to be involved in helping animals after a disaster – includes pet first aid certification. You must attend all four sessions and complete FEMA online courses to become certified as an animal disaster service worker. Saturdays March 10, 17, 31, and April 21. RSVP to Dr. Bing Dilts (415-554-9417 or [email protected]).

SF/SPCA
2500 16th Street
415-522-3000, www.sfspca.org
Free Spay/Neuter Surgery for All Pit Bulls and Pit Mixes: San Francisco residents interested in scheduling a sterilization appointment for their pit bull or pit mix can call 415-554-3030 or visit www.sfspca.org/pit.

Jan. 31 – Community Cats Program: Learn more about San Francisco’s community cats, how Trap Neuter Return (TNR) programs can be successful in your neighborhood, and learn how you can get involved in this life saving program. 6 p.m. at the Richmond Branch Library Community Meeting Room (351 Ninth Avenue).

Feb. 11 & 25 – Community Service Saturday: If you are in Grades 6–12, go behind the scenes to help care for shelter animals, and learn more about responsible pet guardianship. Assist employees with feedings, clean the habitats, and help with other daily duties at the shelter. This opportunity fulfills school, community, or club service requirements. $50 (financial aid and scholarships available). Call 415-554-3065 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

PETS UNLIMITED
2343 Fillmore Street
415-563-6700, www.petsunlimited.org
Feb. 9 – Puppy Love With George: Shopping at George (2512 Sacramento Street at Fillmore) from 5–7 p.m. and 25 percent of all proceeds will benefit the Pets Unlimited Shelter and Adoption Center. This Valentine’s event is sure to please the most discriminating of palates with raffle prizes, libations, hot dogs from Let’s Be Frank, and training tips from Fawn Pierre of SmartyPup.

SAN FRANCISCO ZOO
1 Zoo Road
415-753-7073, www.sfzoo.org
Feb. 11, 12 & 14 – Woo at the Zoo: Woo at the Zoo with Jane Tollini offers an exciting slideshow presentation full of wild animal factoids, new positions, and kinky information – literally the ins and outs of mating for all animals A to Z, including U. Sunday brunch event includes breakfast, dessert, mimosas, and more. The popular Saturday and Tuesday evening events include dinner, champagne, delicious desserts and more. Reservations are required as this “sense-ational” event sells out each year. Tickets $70–$80. Adults 21 and over only.

RANDALL MUSEUM
199 Museum Way
415-554-9600, www.randallmuseum.org
Feb. 4, 11 & 18 – Meet the Animals: The Randall Museum is home to over 100 animals that can no longer survive in the wild. Each Saturday at 11 a.m., a special selection of Randall Museum animal ambassadors will venture from their cages, pens, and perches to greet museum visitors up close. Kids and their families can meet rodents and amphibians; check out a Harris’ Hawk; and maybe even touch a tortoise.

Feb. 16 – Sturgeon in San Francisco Bay: Join fisheries oceanographer and aquatic ecologist Michael McGowan for a presentation on sturgeon in San Francisco Bay. How critical can a 10,000-year-old bay be for a 100-million-year-old fish? Geared for adults but all ages welcome. 7:30 p.m. Free, donations encouraged.

MORE THINGS TO HOOT ABOUT …

Bay Area Pet Expo
Feb 4, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
(344 Tully Road, San Jose)
A full – and free – day of pet-filled fun that includes multi-agency adoption booths; discounted vaccinations, microchipping, heartworm and flea preventatives; free nail trims; agility and obedience demonstrations; author readings and book signings; live entertainment; and the latest and greatest in pet products. Pets are welcome (bring proof of current age-appropriate immunizations, if applicable, and have your canine companion on a nonretractable lead). 408-533-8907 ext. 107, www.bayareapetexpo.com

Animal Attraction
Opens Feb. 11
California Academy of Sciences
Love is in the air – and under the sea – this spring, as the Academy opens a new aquarium gallery titled “Animal Attraction” on February 11, just in time for Valentine’s Day. From Feb. 9–March 23, special programs will highlight the “Sea of Love” – the courtship and reproductive mechanisms that drive the evolution of life under water. 415-379-8000, www.calacademy.org.